The Mass. dog who won a restraining order against its owner's violent boyfriend

Panzer won't have to fear his owner's allegedly violent boyfriend anymore, now that the 6-year-old Labrador mix is protected under a restraining order. A judge has granted the dog — along with a human mother and her child — protection based on a new law in Massachusetts that considers the welfare of animals in homes where domestic violence has taken place. Panzer is the first dog in the state to benefit from the legislation, and is currently in foster care as his owner, a 38-year-old mother, and her son are temporarily living in a shelter. Here's what you should know:

What exactly is this new law?
The legislation that protects Panzer was passed as part of a larger bill called "An Act Further Regulating Animal Control." Under the law, which Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick signed in August, when judges issue restraining orders in the state, in addition to commanding that the abuser stay away from the victim and any children involved, they can also demand that violent offenders steer clear of any household pets.
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